by Laurie R. Kuslansky, Ph.D. Jury Consultant
Mock juries serve as a crucial tool for legal practitioners in their trial preparations. These simulated juries provide valuable insights into how your arguments will be received and offer opportunities for improvement. When conducting a mock trial, it is important to anticipate the questions and comments that your mock jury may have. Here are 11 common inquiries to be prepared for:
Mock trials can be incredibly useful for lawyers and litigators who want to get a better understanding of how their case might play out in court. However, without proper preparation, a mock trial can be a waste of time and resources. That's where jury consultants come in. These professionals can help you prepare for a mock trial by providing valuable insights and feedback. Here are nine tips for a successful mock trial with the help of jury consultants.
by Ryan Flax (Former) Managing Director, Litigation Consulting A2L Consulting
As a seasoned trial consultant with years of experience in the courtroom, I have witnessed countless closing arguments that simply failed to connect the dots. The closing argument is a crucial part of the trial process, as it provides the opportunity to tie up all the loose ends and present your case in a compelling and concise manner. A well-crafted closing argument can truly be the difference between winning and losing a case. In this blog post, I will delve deeper into why it is essential to tie up loose ends throughout the trial, starting from the opening statement.
by Ken Lopez Founder/CEO A2L Consulting
Another reason why televised trials are so intriguing is the opportunity they provide for the public to witness the pursuit of justice. People have an inherent desire for fairness and accountability, and televised trials allow them to see firsthand how the legal system upholds these principles. Whether it's a murder trial or a high-stakes corporate lawsuit, viewers can observe the process of presenting evidence, cross-examination, and the deliberation of the jury. This transparency fosters a sense of trust in the legal system and reassures the public that justice is being served.
I frequently help lawyers craft presentations – whether it’s the opening statement of a litigator, a pitch presentation for a law firm, or a seminar presentation for a corporate lawyer. And I too am often called upon to speak at events or even off the cuff to a group. After a good bit of trial and error, I have found two nearly foolproof ways of organizing any of these talks that I use almost invariably, whatever the context may be. The great thing about these models is that you can use them in an off-the-cuff speech just as well as you can in a highly scripted presentation. Whether it's the courtroom or your kid's school, these models work wonders. You will come off as inspiring, not just informative. You will appear confident. You will also be seen as following modern presentation styles – the spoken equivalent of using an electronic presentation versus using transparent overhead slides.
by Ken Lopez Founder & CEO A2L Consulting "I've got a case I might need some help with." That's how it usually starts when someone, usually a first or second chair litigator, reaches out to me at A2L Consulting.
by Ken Lopez Founder & CEO A2L Consulting
by Ryan H. Flax, Esq. (Former) Managing Director, Litigation Consulting A2L Consulting
Jury consultants play a crucial role in ensuring that your witness is fully prepared for testimony. By leveraging their extensive experience in trial law, these consultants help your witness anticipate and tackle tough questions that may arise in the courtroom. This is particularly valuable in high-profile cases where media attention and public scrutiny can be overwhelming. With the guidance of a jury consultant, your witness can develop the confidence and poise necessary to deliver their testimony with utmost clarity and conviction.
Social media has had a profound impact on jury consulting and voir dire in recent years. With the widespread use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, potential jurors now have the ability to share their opinions and biases with the world more easily than ever before. This has created both opportunities and challenges for jury consultants, who must navigate the complex landscape of social media to identify potential jurors who may be biased or prejudiced.
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